On February 3, 1998, Clarke issued a statement denying the charges and asked for a postponement of his knighthood ceremony. He said that having always had a particular dislike of paedophiles, few charges could be more revolting to him than to be classed as one. Clarke said that he had not been sexually active in 20 years, and that the reports were "nonsense, contemptuous and revolting". He also declined to speak with the media "on legal advice".

quoted a supposed interview